Written on the 5th of March 2015 by Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist
50 Shades of Personal Branding
By now you've heard about or watched the recently released first instalment of the Fifty Shades Trilogy - Fifty Shades of Grey? Before you read on I offer a warning with this article, some of the contents maybe a little provocative but not too x rated - read at your own risk .
A great deal of negative commentary surrounded the release of Fifty Shades of Grey, specifically about the lack lustre love scenes. Many people asked where was the erotica??
If you haven't seen the film, I am sure you'll be shocked at the volume of nudity unless you were anticipating a movie with a XXX rating rather than R.
And well, if you've read the books you'll know firstly, a lot of the expected erotica is in the next book and secondly, the book series is not all about sex. All be it, there are a number of extremely steamy scenes within the pages of the book that had over 80 million readers fanning themselves.
People are shocked when I say the Fifty Shades series is not all about sex. I think the books are about determining your personal brand values and boundaries; understanding the psychology behind a healthy self identity; and ultimately recognising we are all worthy of love. Let me know your thoughts once I've explained my rationale below.
Personal branding is about finding clarity, about and within yourself. Removing or reducing the shades of grey and becoming crystal clear about who you are and what your mission is. Fifty shades of grey is where most people dwell - unclear and unsure of who they are, what they represent and where they're going.
The fifty shades line is significant. The frustrated revelation "Because I'm fifty shades of #$@!ed-up, Anastasia" is voiced by Christian Grey. His dark desires and lifestyle stem from a broken, traumatic childhood where control becomes paramount and disturbingly confused with childhood memories and experiences.
Anastasia however, after a conscious decision to taste the temptations of the dark side, retreats from the darkness; establishes her boundaries reinforcing her values and personal limitations. These measures intrinsically force Christian to question his values, what is important to him and the future expression of his love.
"This is a man in need. His fear is naked and obvious, but he's lost. . . Somewhere in his darkness.
His eyes wide and bleak and tortured. I can soothe him. Join him briefly in the darkness and bring him into the light." Anastasia Steele E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
Each of us will be tempted, tested by trials and tribulations and forced to determine and maintain our values - what is important to us.
"We're coming near to the end of the bridge, and the road is once more bathed in the neon light of the street lamps so his face is intermittently in the light and the dark. And it's such a fitting metaphor. This man, whom I once thought of as a romantic hero, a brave shining white knightor the dark knight, as he said. He's not a hero; he's a man with serious, deep emotional flaws, and he's dragging me into the dark. Can I not guide him into the light?" Anastasia E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
This is at the heart of personal branding. Our brand is strengthened by our strong sense of self and our clear understanding of our own self identity.
Within our training series - Brand Yourself the Authority we case study the Fifty Shades Brand, so you can imagine we have a lot fun, laughs and red cheek moments (no palm-twitching pun intended). We look at the characters, the author, the brand attributes and the erotic brand empire which is Fifty Shades of Grey.
This article is not to discuss the brand attributes of Fifty Shades or the lifestyles reflected or its moral fibre but to provoke your thinking, like the book. In your life where are your Fifty Shades of Grey? Where is your area of calmity? Where is your area of clarity? What are your personal brand values? What or who may be tempting you to step away from your true self or your true calling? Where are your brand boundaries? What are your hard limits? Where have these been compromised? What can you do to move into the light?
"I don't have a philosophy as such. Maybe a guiding principle, Carnegie's A man who acquires the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled.' I'm very singular, driven. I like control... of myself and those around me." "You sound like a control freak." The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. "Oh, I exercise control in all things, Miss Steele," he says without a trace of humor in his smile." E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
I often say our spotlight is in our story, in our shame. "There's a very fine line between pleasure and pain. They are two sides of the same coin, one not existing without the other." E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey. Christian Grey's fears, subsequent lifestyle and personal journey are what rivets the audience as he struggles towards the light. While Anastasia Steele's concise conscious consideration of her choices provokes our own internal debate about saying no, resisting temptation and remaining true to ourselves. Understanding your strengths and weakness is invalable to your brand and it is often said that your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness. Case in point, Christian Grey's self control has made him financially successful while also manifesting in a darker issue, which he himself recognises and hence his comment about being fifty shades.
Finding your true self and your personal strengths is often the journey exposed as we establish and build our personal brand. Discovering and creating your personal brand is simply revisiting the foundations of your brand, your personal and professional values and establishing a blueprint for your personal brand growth.
"This is all I know, too. Perhaps together we can chart a new course." E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
Copyright permission: You have permission to use this article by respecting the copyright by publishing the entire article as it is with no changes and by agreeing to include the above reference at the end of the article, or where you quote the author in which case please include the authors name and company name. In the event you wish to use any or all of this content please advise Jump the Q.
The brand Fifty Shades of Grey and all quotes of EL James, Fifty Shades of Grey remain the property of EL James and associated brands.
About the Author:
Rachel Quilty is a Personal Branding Strategist. She is also known as the "Authority" on Personal Branding within Australia.
Rachel is the owner and CEO of Jump the Q Inc, a Personal Brand consulting firm with offices in Brisbane as well as in Las Vegas, in the US.
Rachel is also the Author of the book, 'Brand Yourself: How to design, build and position your personal brand' which is also now listed on Amazon.
Rachel regularly speaks on the importance of personal branding and strategic brand management. She assists her students and clients around the world to leverage their professional profile and expertise to establish their personal brand as the authority and recognised leader within their industry.
Rachel regularly speaks at seminars, conferences and workshops on personal branding, professional image and developing your signature brand. She has presented at Bond University, Gr iffith University Business School, Ernst & Young, Westfield, NSAA; conferences in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Tasmania, Gold Coast and Expos in Brisbane.
Rachel has also been featured in Australia on the Today show as well various national radio programs including 4BC & ABC. She recently featured in the Australian Institute of Management magazine and is regularly featured in popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Cleo, Marie Claire and national newspapers include the Courier Mail, Sun Herald and the Weekend Australian.
Rachel made a splash in the USA with a recent interview on Voice America Radio hosted by Personal Finance Guru Jordon E Goodman the author of a dozen best sellers and is a regular on CNN and The View. Rachel also recently spoke in Las Vegas at the Ultimate Joint Venture Boot Camp with some of the most prominent speakers in the world.
Media Contact:
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist
Jump the Q
web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Please email questions or story angle and a schedule call for interview.
Written on the 5th of March 2015 by Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist
50 Shades of Personal Branding
By now you've heard about or watched the recently released first instalment of the Fifty Shades Trilogy - Fifty Shades of Grey? Before you read on I offer a warning with this article, some of the contents maybe a little provocative but not too x rated - read at your own risk .
A great deal of negative commentary surrounded the release of Fifty Shades of Grey, specifically about the lack lustre love scenes. Many people asked where was the erotica??
If you haven't seen the film, I am sure you'll be shocked at the volume of nudity unless you were anticipating a movie with a XXX rating rather than R.
And well, if you've read the books you'll know firstly, a lot of the expected erotica is in the next book and secondly, the book series is not all about sex. All be it, there are a number of extremely steamy scenes within the pages of the book that had over 80 million readers fanning themselves.
People are shocked when I say the Fifty Shades series is not all about sex. I think the books are about determining your personal brand values and boundaries; understanding the psychology behind a healthy self identity; and ultimately recognising we are all worthy of love. Let me know your thoughts once I've explained my rationale below.
Personal branding is about finding clarity, about and within yourself. Removing or reducing the shades of grey and becoming crystal clear about who you are and what your mission is. Fifty shades of grey is where most people dwell - unclear and unsure of who they are, what they represent and where they're going.
The fifty shades line is significant. The frustrated revelation "Because I'm fifty shades of #$@!ed-up, Anastasia" is voiced by Christian Grey. His dark desires and lifestyle stem from a broken, traumatic childhood where control becomes paramount and disturbingly confused with childhood memories and experiences.
Anastasia however, after a conscious decision to taste the temptations of the dark side, retreats from the darkness; establishes her boundaries reinforcing her values and personal limitations. These measures intrinsically force Christian to question his values, what is important to him and the future expression of his love.
"This is a man in need. His fear is naked and obvious, but he's lost. . . Somewhere in his darkness.
His eyes wide and bleak and tortured. I can soothe him. Join him briefly in the darkness and bring him into the light." Anastasia Steele E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
Each of us will be tempted, tested by trials and tribulations and forced to determine and maintain our values - what is important to us.
"We're coming near to the end of the bridge, and the road is once more bathed in the neon light of the street lamps so his face is intermittently in the light and the dark. And it's such a fitting metaphor. This man, whom I once thought of as a romantic hero, a brave shining white knightor the dark knight, as he said. He's not a hero; he's a man with serious, deep emotional flaws, and he's dragging me into the dark. Can I not guide him into the light?" Anastasia E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
This is at the heart of personal branding. Our brand is strengthened by our strong sense of self and our clear understanding of our own self identity.
Within our training series - Brand Yourself the Authority we case study the Fifty Shades Brand, so you can imagine we have a lot fun, laughs and red cheek moments (no palm-twitching pun intended). We look at the characters, the author, the brand attributes and the erotic brand empire which is Fifty Shades of Grey.
This article is not to discuss the brand attributes of Fifty Shades or the lifestyles reflected or its moral fibre but to provoke your thinking, like the book. In your life where are your Fifty Shades of Grey? Where is your area of calmity? Where is your area of clarity? What are your personal brand values? What or who may be tempting you to step away from your true self or your true calling? Where are your brand boundaries? What are your hard limits? Where have these been compromised? What can you do to move into the light?
"I don't have a philosophy as such. Maybe a guiding principle, Carnegie's A man who acquires the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled.' I'm very singular, driven. I like control... of myself and those around me." "You sound like a control freak." The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. "Oh, I exercise control in all things, Miss Steele," he says without a trace of humor in his smile." E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
I often say our spotlight is in our story, in our shame. "There's a very fine line between pleasure and pain. They are two sides of the same coin, one not existing without the other." E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey. Christian Grey's fears, subsequent lifestyle and personal journey are what rivets the audience as he struggles towards the light. While Anastasia Steele's concise conscious consideration of her choices provokes our own internal debate about saying no, resisting temptation and remaining true to ourselves. Understanding your strengths and weakness is invalable to your brand and it is often said that your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness. Case in point, Christian Grey's self control has made him financially successful while also manifesting in a darker issue, which he himself recognises and hence his comment about being fifty shades.
Finding your true self and your personal strengths is often the journey exposed as we establish and build our personal brand. Discovering and creating your personal brand is simply revisiting the foundations of your brand, your personal and professional values and establishing a blueprint for your personal brand growth.
"This is all I know, too. Perhaps together we can chart a new course." E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey
Copyright permission: You have permission to use this article by respecting the copyright by publishing the entire article as it is with no changes and by agreeing to include the above reference at the end of the article, or where you quote the author in which case please include the authors name and company name. In the event you wish to use any or all of this content please advise Jump the Q.
The brand Fifty Shades of Grey and all quotes of EL James, Fifty Shades of Grey remain the property of EL James and associated brands.
About the Author:
Rachel Quilty is a Personal Branding Strategist. She is also known as the "Authority" on Personal Branding within Australia.
Rachel is the owner and CEO of Jump the Q Inc, a Personal Brand consulting firm with offices in Brisbane as well as in Las Vegas, in the US.
Rachel is also the Author of the book, 'Brand Yourself: How to design, build and position your personal brand' which is also now listed on Amazon.
Rachel regularly speaks on the importance of personal branding and strategic brand management. She assists her students and clients around the world to leverage their professional profile and expertise to establish their personal brand as the authority and recognised leader within their industry.
Rachel regularly speaks at seminars, conferences and workshops on personal branding, professional image and developing your signature brand. She has presented at Bond University, Gr iffith University Business School, Ernst & Young, Westfield, NSAA; conferences in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Tasmania, Gold Coast and Expos in Brisbane.
Rachel has also been featured in Australia on the Today show as well various national radio programs including 4BC & ABC. She recently featured in the Australian Institute of Management magazine and is regularly featured in popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Cleo, Marie Claire and national newspapers include the Courier Mail, Sun Herald and the Weekend Australian.
Rachel made a splash in the USA with a recent interview on Voice America Radio hosted by Personal Finance Guru Jordon E Goodman the author of a dozen best sellers and is a regular on CNN and The View. Rachel also recently spoke in Las Vegas at the Ultimate Joint Venture Boot Camp with some of the most prominent speakers in the world.
Media Contact:
Rachel Quilty
Brand Strategist
Jump the Q
web: www.jumptheq.com.au
Please email questions or story angle and a schedule call for interview.
Written on the 20 April 2008 by Rachel Quilty of Jump the Q.
Hello! Style Magazines and France at Leisure have invited Di Cant to escort a group of fashion conscious travellers to Paris.
The fashion tour will be fully escorted with the advantage of having your own personal stylist, Di Cant with you to help make shopping decisions. Di will also introduce you to her favourite things to do while in Paris– some cheap and cheerful, some very exclusive and not always known about.
Jump the Q has decided to jump on board this fabuous trip, why don't you?
Let Di Cant show you Paris with the assistance of Parisian guides to streamline getting to and from venues. We will visit cafes, visit a magnificent museum of fashion, have an audience with a store stylist and a French designer, and be guests at a cooking exhibition where we’ll sample delicious French cuisine. We’ll dine in some little local bistros and restaurants, and do a couple of very special dinners as well.
So come along and bring your daughter, a friend, your husband or partner – or just come on your own! Just being there will be wonderful but doing it “with Style” and staying in 4-star hotel will make this a special memorable experience. You will love Paris this way, even if you have been before. This is about style, shopping, eating and just looking. Bring your camera as here will be a perfect group photo op one morning early at the flowers market. Let’s plan to go, girls! It’s going to be magic! Au revoir!
Dates: 28th September 2008 - 4th October 2008 - 7 Night accommodation in a 4* Hotel.
Guided Tours and Visits:
Jacquemart-Andre Museum, Fondation Pierre
Berge, Yves Saint Laurent Visit of Museum
Baccarat.
Visit of Museum of the Armee – Invalides Museum
of Mode and Textil.
Interview:
Galeries Lafayette fashion professional, worldfamous
Didier Ludot at Palais Royal.
Lunches and Dinners:
Welcome Dinner at the Espadon Ritz Hotel
Dinner at Restaurant Le Souffle
Gastronomic Cooking & Pastry Class at the Ritz
I’Escoffier with Lunch.
Farewell Dinner at Restaurant “Caveau de L’Isle” on the Ile Saint-Louis in Paris.
Walking tour and shopping:
Champs Elysees (Louis Vuitton, Mango, Zara, Sephora...), Printemps Department Store,
Galeries Lafayette with private cocktail.
Haute couture of Rue St Honore/Rue du Faubourg, jewellery at Place Vendome & Rue de la Paix.
Fashion tours of St Germain Rive Gauche; the trendy Marais for marques “degriffes” and new French fashion designers: Montmartre for Textile
& Fabric Shops. Free time at leisure for jewels, jewellery antiques, art galeries etc.
Accommodation in 4-star hotel in Central Paris:
Hotel du Louvre 4-star. www.louvrehotel.com
Hotel New Robin Hotel 4-star. www.new-hotel.com
When do you have the opportunity to participate in a tailored Fashion Tour to Paris designed by three local professionals?
• Di Cant (Personal and Fashion Stylist)
• Christian Blondeau (French Travel Specialist)
• Tracy Johnston (Fashion Magazine Editor)
This is it and it’s happening in September 2008! So enquire now by Calling France At Leisure on t: 1300 302 623. France At Leisure and mention 'Jump the Q' .
Itinerary includes:
Saturday 27/09:
Meet and greet early afternoon with your local professional guide in the hotel lobby. Guided tour with visit of Jacquemart André Museum with café & pastry, terminating at your hotel.
Roundtrip private transfer from your hotel to the Espadon at the Ritz Hotel for Welcome Dinner, (3-course dinner menu Palace, drinks not included). D
Sunday 28/09:
Morning visits with your private escort/guide : visit of Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent (or similar according to 2008 programme) / Champs Elysées shopping tour (Louis Vuitton, Mango, Zara, Sephora…)
Afternoon visits with your escort/guide : Visit of Museum Baccarat - Visit of Museum of the Armee – Invalides (galleria of the old uniforms) – B
Monday 29/09:
Morning visit & free time for shopping at Printemps Department Store.
Afternoon: Interview-Relooking at
Galeries Lafayette, to learn more about the French & trendy way to wear clothes, the French women habits etc...(coffee & fruit juices included). End the interview with a cocktail in a private room around a cup of Champagne! B.
Tuesday 30/09:
Morning : Gastronomic Cooking & Pastry Class followed by a meal at Ritz l’Escoffier cooking school.
Afternoon visits with your escort/guide : visit of Museum of Mode and Textil. – B
Wednesday 01/10:
Full day English speaking guides specialised in fashion for fashion tour of Paris St Germain Rive Gauche; (this tour will be walking tour)
Morning visits: Shop for bags, hats and shoes.
Afternoon visits: shops of jewellery antiques, art galleries etc…
Dinner at Restaurant le Soufflé, 3-course dinner, (drinks not included)
Roundtrip private transfer hotel – restaurant included. BD
Thursday 02/10:
Full day English speaking guides specialised in fashion for fashion tour of Paris Marais & Montmartre (2-4 guides depending on group size ; 1 guide for max 6-10 passengers ; tours in the area will be walking tours)
Morning visits : Marais area with marques ‘degriffés’ and new French fashion Designers
Afternoon visits : Montmartre with Textile and Fabric Shops - B
Friday 03/10:
Full day English speaking guides specialised in fashion for fashion tour of Paris Rue St Honoré / Rue du Faubourg St Honoré (this tour is a walking tour).
Morning visits : big names of fashion in Faubourg St Honoré area / Rue St Honoré
Lunch (with drinks included) at local fashionable restaurant like Colette
Afternoon visits : Jewellery at Place Vendome & Rue de la Paix.
Appointment with world famous Didier Ludot at Palais Royal.
Farewell Dinner at Restaurant “Caveau de L’Isle” on the Ile Saint-Louis in Paris,
3-course dinner (drinks not included)
Roundtrip transfer hotel – restaurant included. BLD
Saturday 04/10:
The tour finishes after breakfast.
INCLUSIONS:
- 7 Night accommodation in a 4* Hotel.
- Breakfast daily - 3 Dinners - 1 Lunch
- All transfers in private Coach as per itinerary.
- Daily bilingual guide and escort of Stylist Di Cant
- Specialised fashion guides for Fashion tour as per itinerary
- All entries, activities and visits fees as per itinerary
Down load a booking form today!
To secure your booking, please forward this registration form together with your deposit of $1,200 per person to: FRANCE @ LEISURE Level 1 - 155 Wickham Terrace – Brisbane Qld. 4000 or fax your credit card payment to us: (07) 3220 0630.
Booking Conditions: Price is per person based on Twin-share accommodation in standard rooms. Price is subject to availability at the time of booking and may vary due to currency fluctuations. $1,200 deposit (of which $500 is non refundable) per person is required at the time of booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks prior to departure from Australia. Cancellation conditions: Any cancellation by the client must be given in writing to France @ Leisure. Cancellation and administration fees by service providers will be applicable as follows: Cancellations received between 70 and 20 days prior to the tour date = 50% of the total amount paid. Cancellations received less than 20 days prior to the tour date = 100% of the total amount paid.
France at Leisure Responsibilities - France at Leisure act in the capacity as agent for the suppliers of transportation and tour operation services. Transport and accommodation services may necessitate minor variations to itinerary. France at Leisure and other eligible parties shall not be responsible for any injury, damage, accident, loss or delay in respect of any person or property. In this clause the expression “eligible parties” shall include any carrier, tour operator, tour escort(s) or other provider of any service in respect of a tour. These conditions of booking shall form part of the contract between the client and France At Leisure.
France at Leisure strongly recommends Comprehensive Travel Insurance to all its clients.
*****
Brand Yourself! And Jump the Q! Your personal brand should reflect your abilities and potential. Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist, known as ‘the Authority’ on personal branding and author of must- have book ‘Brand Yourself’. Go to http://www.JumptheQ.com.au for FREE strategic branding tips. Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a personal brand to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client.
Jump the Q assists you to strategically and systematically leverage your professional profile and build your personal brand to become the authority in your industry. Get your free personal branding tactics and tips at http://www.brandyourselfblueprint.com
We assist you to develop your Personal Brand Strategy by:
- Discovering your purpose.
- Designing your best personal brand.
- Devising a personal marketing plan.
- Developing your Signature Brand.
Copyright permission: You have permission to use this article by respecting the copyright by publishing the entire article as it is with no changes and by agreeing to include the above reference at the end of the article, or where you quote the author in which case please include the authors name and company name. In the event you wish to use any or all of this content please advise Jump the Q.
&v=2)
